Southern California -- this just in

Controversial Orange County bridge proposal gets new life

October 2, 2011 | 6:27
pm

Elected officials have restarted talks about the 19th Street Bridge, a perennially controversial proposal that would connect Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.

County Supervisor John Moorlach quietly revived discussions among council members -- one each from Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley -- who would have to sign off on the plans.

Bridge advocates say it would help traffic flow throughout the area and could enhance Westside Costa Mesa. Opponents, who have been fighting bridge plans for more than 30 years, argue that it would worsen traffic and noise in residential areas and would harm sensitive environmental resources.

"As good neighbors, we're going to take a hard look at it," Moorlach told the Huntington Beach Independent. "We're at least all in the same room, and we're all debating, and listening to all the pros and cons."

The latest talks began in late August when Newport Beach Councilman Steve Rosansky prodded Moorlach to organize a meeting among the four cities' leaders.